Philip Patnaude: Divers recover missing man's body at Belmont Harbor

After finding what authorities believe to be Philip Patnaude’s property, officials diligently searched Belmont Harbor for the 28-year-old man who went missing in Lakeview Saturday.
Sunday, at 3 p.m., authorities announced that a coat was found floating in Belmont Harbor.

The coat pulled from the water was described as a black ski jacket with green trim... the description matches the coat Patnaude was allegedly wearing when he went missing, said authorities.

In additional to police and rescue workers, Patnaude's family members, as well as the media, were on scene at the Lakeview neighborhood harbor.

At 3:17 p.m., a diver entered the water, presumably, searching for Patnaude’s body. A second diver went into the harbor at 3:26 p.m.

If more details become available, this article will be updated accordingly.

UPDATE: "The initial search turned up negative", said an officer at the scene, around 3:42 p.m.

UPDATE: The first round of divers were out of the water by 3:54 p.m. A second round of divers will resume the search, shortly.

UPDATE: At 4:23 p.m., investigators discovered what looks like a scuff mark on the ground of an unspecified area within the harbor. Authorities said it looks like someone “tripped” and lost their footing. Divers are checking beneath the docks.

UPDATE: At 5:17 p.m. there were signs the Chicago Police Marine Unit was either suspending the search for the evening, or scaling back their efforts... an unspecified number of crew members were told they could leave the scene.

UPDATE: At 5:33 p.m. authorities asked Belmont Harbor officials for the combination for the restrooms on the south end of harbor. Authorities were told that the restrooms are closed for the winter and unable to be used. This information was passed on to the detectives at the scene.

UPDATE:A helicopter joined the search at 5:47 p.m. The pilot was asked to fly over the area where Patnaude's jacket was found floating in the water.

UPDATE: As of 7:18 p.m., authorities were still at Belmont Harbor. This information was confirmed after police dispatch contacted the responding to officers to make sure they were still at the scene.

UPDATE: 7:52 p.m.... Coast Guard performing a “grid search”… investigators still focused on area where jacket was found… divers will return at sunup, but search efforts may continue throughout the night.

UPDATE: Monday, March 5, 2012, at approximately 10:26 a.m., "something", possible Patnaude's body, was pulled from Belmont Harbor. Additional police cars were called to the scene to assist the divers with the recovery and crowd control.

I am friends with Phil who is missing and I have to say that I am disappointed to see people be so disrespectful in a time like this. What a shame. To all the people with your kind responses thank you.

To the "alcohol and night swimming" comment poster: You should be ashamed of yourself. How would you feel if it was your friend/family member/fiance who was missing? Completely inappropriate and disrespectful.

EVERY missing person or death is a tragedy. You don't know that these same people are judging "southsiders". Is it a lesser of a tragedy if it's a so called "yuppie". You are being hypocritical. I am praying for you and this young man tonight.

The lack of compassion in some people is astonishing. Phil is FAR from "some stupid fuckin yuppie" and for you to judge him in a situation like this based solely on a stereotype is disgusting. Gotta love the cowards who post negative comments as "Anonymous", too. Pathetic.

To whoever was ignorant enough to post that awful comment, shame on you! This is someone's life, it's not a joke and the pain and suffering his family must be going through is unimaginable. How dare you mock this. Remember your "compassion" when a tragedy happens to someone you love.

The hypocritical behavior displayed right now is beyond imagination. Some day, you people will learn that you reap what you sow. You gleefully submit racist comments to this site about the smallest of events that affect those you consider to be "undesirables." But now, you're lifting prayers for a buddy. I can guarantee that this story will not end well. Karma is a bitch.

Mr. Anonymous, Will you please stop commenting. You do not have the right timing or the right place for your comments. You are hurting people who you are assuming make comments on other sites. The majority of these people have not left comments on any other story. They are only interested in their friend. Please do not pass your judgements on people who are grieving in this situation only. Do not make something out of nothing. Thank you

Phil is a decent, genuine, and kind hearted person that deserves nothing but love and respect. The rude comments are incredibly disgusting!!! My thoughts, love, and prayers to all of Phil's friends and family.

Man some people are just so so sad. These comments really are just disgusting. May god bless your soul's because clearly you need prayer.

I'll be praying for Phil and all his family. we love you! And I would like to apologize on behalf of all these terrible comments on here. What a tragic time, and what a tragic incident. Don't lose hope. Nothing is impossible with Christ.

I had the pleasure of going to HS with Phil. He is always a genuine, kind, and extremely positive guy that always made school just a little bit more enjoyable - my prayers go out to his family and friends. Ignore the guy hate trolling - he a loser that really doesn't even deserve a comment. But I agree, Karma is a bitch....

Phil is a son, brother, fiancé, best friend, friend, a successful college graduate, and much much more. Please remember this as you decide to comment or make ridiculous assumptions about this tragic story. He has the kindest soul and an energetic spirit that is infectious to all those surrounding him. This situation is incredibly heartbreaking. Much love to his family, fiancé, friends, and the class of 2002.

Please do not respond to any of the ignorant responses above. People are obviously just trying to fuel the fire and they deserve no recognition whatsoever. Please only post love for Phil, his family and his loved ones from here on out. Anything else is a waste of what is obviously precious time and life.

I only knew Phil casually/briefly at U of I - and yet the fact that he is missing has me feeling shocked, torn apart, and devastated. THAT is the kind of person Phil is. Without even trying, he positively touches the lives of those around him. My thoughts and prayers are with him, his family, and his friends. Please know that for every 1 cynic out there (who clearly doesn't know Phil), there are at least 100 people pulling for him right now.

this comment is on point... i was friends with phil for a couple years in grade school... and we went our sep ways as the years went on... but he was always a nice genuine guy and would always shake my hand and say whats up when we crossed paths... he seems to have been carrying on a great life... and this potentially bad news is a hard pill to swallow for anyone who interacted with this man... even if for a brief moment... i hope for those closest to him right now that he is well...

as for the ignorance going on... i for one have never posted anything racist or ignorant on this website... nor any other... opinions are opinions... but your generalization of a websites typical followers who have certain views and morals has nothing to do with phil or his family and friends. and we can only hope the karma for your comments is what makes you such a bitter individual... and you prolly deserve it.

I can't believe how rude some of you are. My cousin is his fiance and it amazes me how disrespectful you can be when people are suffering. This is someone's life! My prayers go out to the families involved in this, and thank you Chicago News for keeping this up to date.

I knew phil in high school and visited him during college. He was an outstanding man of character and was am extremely positive person! Always with a smile and a handshake of respect.made sure to go out of his way to say hello and see how you were doing. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family!

Thank you for the continual updates Chicago News Report. Thank you to the Chicago Police Department for all their hard work and efforts. This is Phil's fiancé, and I cannot express how much your prayers and thoughts mean to me. I promise to keep him away from the lake in the future.

You have a nerve you ignorant idiot! This family does not need to hear such garbage from an asshole who apparently has an agenda against young people who may have a slight advantage. Because he maybe a yuppie does not make this any less tragic than an innocent kid being killed by a gang banger! I suggest you think before you say such callous things, the next tragedy may happen to someone you love!!

I haven't seen all of you in a while, and it really breaks my heart to be contacting you over such tragic moment. I just want to let all of you know that all that positive energy and love is making Phil stronger wherever he is. I didnt spend many years close to you all, but i know who you are and you should know as well... Don't let anybody (stranger or not) hurt/offend you bc, whatever comes out of us is only a reflection of the pain we have inside. Im with Kevin, focus. Love u all, Phil please come back.

I am praying for Phil, his family, Selena and all of their friends. I knew Phil in college. I saw him at a party around Christmas and wished we had stayed in touch. He is one of the nicest people I've ever met. He really beams happiness. Keeping everyone who knows Phil in my thoughts and prayers.

I think it's great that at least 25 people have said Phil is 'in their prayers'. If their 'God' is real - rather than an imaginary fairy tale being - then I would think He would intervene & save Phil. Otherwise what more important stuff might this God be doing...?

Pray in one hand, and shit in the other. Let me know which one fills up faster... I hope Phil is OK as much as the next guy, but as you said, 25 people clogging up the boards with their prayers isn't much help. Get your butt out there and look for him if you're so concerned.

To the anonymous commenter that is desperately in need of psychiatric help: Would your parents be proud of the things you're saying here? Would they be proud that you're pretty much laughing in the faces of people going through a very tragic time, and that you're getting off on it? I don't know you, and I don't know Philip or anyone in his family, but as I go to sleep tonight I will wish upon them that tomorrow will hopefully bring something positive and that Philip is OK. For you, however, I'll laugh a little bit and take comfort in the fact that when you're life comes to an end some day, you will probably be as alone as you are now, with only your disrespect and scorn for your fellow man to keep you warm.

you wanna talk about the South Side, let me quote somebody that rose out of the South Side, Kanye West from his song Bring Me Down "There'd always be somebody that shoot down any dream. There'll always be haters, that's the way it is. Hater niggas marry hater bitches and have hater kids. But they're gonna have to take my life 'fore they take my drive." So why don't you just stop dude.

Wishing the best for Phil and his family. A special part of my heart goes out to Selena.No matter how this works out, I'll always remember Phil and a fun loving and energetic guys. 3 things I'll never forget about Phil:1. Dude wore flip flops everyday in college. I don't think he owned a pair of shoes. It would be -20 out and he would have on a winter coat with his sandals. It would be summer and he would wear his sandals all day and he would come home and his feet would be black from the asphalt, sweat and dirt baking on his feet all day.2. Phil was an amazing ultimate frisbee player. He had a natural talent with a frisbee. He could throw the disc forwards, reverse and with either hand.3. Phil had a smile that went on for miles. That's the one thing I'll remember most about Phil. I remember spring break sophomore year and Phil was smiling in his sleep. He had those sweet dimples because he never quit smiling.

Telling people to go look instead of pray? Why can't you do both? What if someone here is out of town, handicapped, is experiencing a death in their family...maybe all they CAN do is pray. And maybe the people who say they are praying actually are helping too.

I don't even know Phil, I just heard about this story from a fried of mine who knows Phil's family. I cannot physically get downtown to search tomorrow. But I'll still pray for him and his family.

this want to make clear that the Kanye quote is directed at the people hating on Phil and his family and friends. A missing person's report is not the place to vent your grievances or post negative comments. I can't even believe you would have the nerve to do that. If you want to change thing, use the democratic process. Get involved. Spewing hate is only propagating the negativity that causes violence. You reap what you sow. Start spreading positivity, sympathy, hope and other good things, please.- the Kanye posterps - I'm sorry about the negativity of Kanye's lyrics, I just thought maybe somebody from your own neighborhood could show you how negative you're being and how that negativity needs to cease.

There is a photo on the trib website of Philip's fiancé on her knees crying at the harbor. Although I do not personally know him, just seeing this picture broke my heart. I would ask anyone with negative comments to please view this picture. It truly does not matter where you are from, I think anyone can relate to or sympathize with the millions of horrible emotions displayed on her face. It is so unbelievably cruel to try and break anyones spirt in this time of crisis. Philip has a degree from an excellent school, a job, a fiancé, and a lovely home... even from these small details it is evident this man has his life together and is responsible. He is 28, not some careless, naive child like the negative comments are trying to depict. Accidents happen. Let us all pray, hope, and wish that this is just one big accident and he will return safely.

Maybe Phil will show up alive. Maybe Phil was sexing some prostitute and feel asleep drunk somewhere. He is in a hotel right now thinking of a way to explain his disappearance in the wake of the OVER-THE-TOP news about him.

Or, maybe Phil is dead. Based on the comments above, his funeral will have to be at United Center to make room for all who loved him. Everybody loved Phil. Hmmm. Phil must not have felt this love from you all since he committed suicide. You folks best stop loving people...your kind of love kills them.

MY PRAYERS TO HIS FAMILY AND HIS FIANCE'S FAMILY. WE LOVE YOU ALL AND IF YOU NEED ANYTHING PLEASE DONT HESITATE TO CALL. FAMILY FROM FL! YOU ARE ALL IN OUR PRAYERS.CHICAGO NEWS REPORT:THANK YOU FOR ALWAYS UPDATING!

The world did not ask you to care, and if that is the case...please keep your hurtful words and thoughts to yourself. Though you may not be grieving over this current and hopefully temporary loss, many of us are. Nothing we have said in the interest of this tragic situation interferes with your living situation...please leave this group alone so we may continue holding onto the hope we have, console one another, and search for our friend.

I really wish a "thumbs down" feature was available so we wouldn't have to see the garbage that some people are posting. I work with Phil and, although I don't know him well, he's ALWAYS smiling and saying hello. A genuinely good guy who is outgoing and friendly to everyone. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.

Such a tragic accident and very heartbreaking to hear about. Praying for strength and peace for his family and friends, especially those who have to deal with the guilt of letting him go to the lakefront drunk and alone. I cannot imagine what everyone is going through at this moment in time. These tragic accidents can most often be avoided if you just watch out for your friends and don't let them go off alone to dangerous situations in the middle of the night. Continued prayers for everyone.

I couldn't agree more, Meg. It is heartbreaking to hear these stories about ANYONE. Unfortunately, this is a prime example of what can happen when you're drunk and careless. We are not invincible. I just wish the outcome could have been different for his family, friends and fiance. Praying for you all.

My thoughts and prayers go out to all of Phils friends and family. As someone who has lost friends to early all I can say is stick together and lean on each other for support.

To the one ignorant guy who finds it fun to prey on people who are dealing with an awful tragedy please please please go play in traffic. If you want to get on your soap box do it somewhere else. I assume that you do this regularly because you are lonely and people you know stopped listening to your idiotic rants a long time ago. I am certain the only person who hates you more than the people on this board is yourself. So keep being a tough guy hiding behind your computer..I have no doubt one day you will get what is coming to you.

I had the privilege of working with Phil at Sargent & Lundy (S&L) and he will be truly missed. He was such a great person and was always smiling. I would like to extend my deepest sympathies to all of his family, friends, & co-workers.

This is probably too soon but has anyone considered this might have been murder? I recall several instances where a young man fitting his description is found dead after leaving a bar. This might simply be a tragic accident but people should be reminded of the Smiley something killings. It's been several years so I can't recall the actual name for the killings but maybe someone on this board knows.

@11:19AM: You hypocritical baboon! You start off your comments with prayers for the family and end with a post filled with hatred towards an anonymous figure that you would like to see killed. Yeah, buddy that's classy. Who's the real tough guy?

I believe you are referring to the Smiley Face Killings. Now that you mentioned this I went back and looked at several articles about this and this does sound exactly like this Smiley Face theory that those 2 NYC detectives are adamant about. However, I think this is probably just a tragic accident. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.

Why are any of you even giving the rude posters here two seconds of thought? No matter how much you write to them trying to pull at the heartstrings, they won't care or stop posting the crap they post, because they are damaged people with no soul or empathy for others - and will stay that way no matter what you say. Please do not bother replying to them; by doing so, you are adding fuel to the fire they like to light (there is nothing more fun for an internet troll than someone who takes the bait and engages them in a battle). Please just pay respeces to the young man who sadly lost his life too early, and leave it at that. Thank you.

I don't mean to be insensitive, but why did he go to the harbor at 2 AM, alone? Did he have a boat there? Was he meeting someone at that spot? I just don't understand why anyone would go to Belmont Harbor in the dead of winter at 2 AM.

I thought the same thing. I live in Lakeview and everyone knows that you don't go there late at night by yourself. It's even more odd that he would do it in the dead of winter. Think he could have been coerced to go there to meet someone and was killed by being pushed into the water? There seems to be a lot of Chicagoans who have lived in the area their whole lives who suddenly and accidentally fall into the water and drown. I looked at the Smiley Face theory too and it sounds similar to a lot of the cases. I mean who goes to the lake the early in the morning to look at the water or go for a walk when it's extremely cold outside? I can't think of any logical reason why anyone would do that especially if you just got done drinking. Usually people say let's go eat or I'm too tired so I wanna go home after they drink and party NOT I'm going to go for a walk and look at the water.

To the poster at 12:40PM, I was wondering the same thing. It just seems weird to me that he would go there and that his friends seemed to not think anything of it. It's also weird that he took off his coat. It was extremely cold that night. I guess these are questions that will never be answered...

To all of the family & friends who knew and loved Phil - my hopes and prayers are that you can find the strength to endure this tragedy, that you find comfort in each other and that you know that all the people in your lives are here for you in any way that you may need us.

1) The fact that none of his friends thought it was weird is a clue that perhaps, for him, it wasn't. Even though it may not be something you would do, and even though it seems unwise, doesn't mean it was out of character or unusual for this young man.

2) His coat was found in the water. He probably took it off in an effort to shed weight once he fell in. If you're trained in water survival, this is one of the first things you're supposed to do. Clothing holds water and weighs you down.

3) No one knows for sure that he was drunk, just that he "had been drinking". It makes me so sad that everyone just assumes stupidity and bad choices. Every single one of us has done something in our lives, probably several somethings, either accidentally or in a moment of poor judgement, which could have been tragic but fortunately wasn't Unfortunately, this was one of those moments that did turn tragic. A single moment that ended Phil's life and will forever change the lives of those who loved him. Be grateful that YOUR moments didn't end like that.

4) For a reality check, everyone should be forced to see the photo of Phil's fiancé before being allowed to post here. It's on the story in the Trib. You can't see the grief on her face and still want to post some of the things that have been posted here.

To 12:40 and Katie...I very much agree with both of you! I can see him taking off his coat if he did in fact fall into the water but all of us know who live in the area it's not that easy to just fall into the water. I don't believe he was going to the harbor to take a walk or look at the water. It's way to friggin cold. Also, if that was the case I would have said to my buddy...hey you wanna go for a walk with me? My friend would have replied hell no it's way to cold followed by ARE YOU CRAZY? Why didn't his friend think this was strange. I think he may have gone there for a reason other than taking a walk. Maybe he was trying to sell something on craigslist?

To 12:59, I agree. Something just does not seem right. Don't you kind of have to go out of your way to get to the harbor? It's not that easily accessible, especially at that time of night in the winter.

This story really bothers me. It's incredibly tragic and completely avoidable. Maybe it was normal for him to go to the lakefront in the winter, but it's just not normal for friends to be okay with him going alone at 2:30am after drinking (drunk or not). It's just not okay. You have to watch out for your friends. I pray that these people find some peace. I also pray for his family and fiance. I cannot imagine what they are going through.

Unless he was completely drunk I don't see how he could have accidentally fell into the water. I mean there are a lot of things he could have grabbed onto. He looks like a healthy and active young man. Could he not have clung to one of the docks and pulled himself up?

I'm gay and wouldn't have been out there at the time of night for ANY purpose, especially for safety reasons. I didn't know Belmont Harbor was a "cruising spot after the bars close". Guess I'm out of the loop or just not trash. The whole city is a "cruising spot" in my opinion. It's irritating too.

Nobody knows what happened but whatever did happen, it's tragic. I lived one block from there up until 2 weeks ago. It is NOT safe in that neighborhood especially at night. It has changed drastically over the past couple of years. They've got the ghetto blue light cameras up around there now. My neighbors are on lockdown (in my opinion) after 9:00pm and call me a "nightowl" because I do go out after 9:00pm.

If I have to run to the store past 11:00pm, I have mace and a wooden bat that fits up my coat sleeve.

Yes, it is THAT bad especially with the loitering and Section 8 EVERYWHERE around there.

Again, I'm sorry about this loss but this world class city IS a mess. You should be able to go out to that waterfront at anytime without safety concerns as that's what we pay these insane housing prices for. It's not worth it.

Were his personal belongings all accounted for? I hate to say it, but that area is NOT safe, as the poster above mentioned. Perhaps he was mugged, struggled with the attacker and ended up in the lake? I wouldn't rule it as an accident just yet...

You people are crazy. You don't know this man. If I'm going out with my guys my wife doesn't always go with me. Let the family have some peace while they wait. Don't slander people behind anonymous postings.

How did his friends know he was going to Belmont Harbor? Did he just say "See ya, guys, I'm jumping in this cab and going to the Harbor!" Wouldn't his friends be like "what are you talking about, let's just split a cab home."

Seems like someone must know more than they are willing to divulge at this instant.

I don't think the questions are out of line, and I think his family, friends and fiance should be asking them too. I know they are mourning, and it's completely tragic, but the story doesn't seem right. His friends and family can't possibly be okay with that.

HOLY SHIT. I never thought I would ever post on a "comments" section of any website but everyone needs to stop responding/reacting to the trolls and not making assumptions as to what happened. I don't know this man, but each of us on this earth is connected and I am sending positive vibes to his friends and family. A man is dead, people. Let's celebrate his life, mourn his death, but above all else, not make blind assumptions as to what/why/how happened. Leave that to the investigators...

Had the opportunity to work with Phil although I did not know him well. He was a great guy by all accounts. Unfortunately, his life ended tragically too early, but that doesn't mean that he is gone. I hope that those close to him realize that he will always be with them. Celebrate everything about him, and continue to remember him no matter how hard it may be at times. Take something from his life that you admired and apply it to yours. Also, use the tragic end to remind yourself to never take those close to you for granted.

I wish that Phil's family and friends find some comfort in this terrible time.

To whomever posted at 2:24pm, I could not agree with you more! I too have never posted on a comments section until today, but I've been checking for updates on Philip (I live near Belmont Harbor and saw the commotion yesterday afternoon). I don't know Philip personally but it seems like two things are definitely true - (1) everyone who knew him and has written about him says he was a WONDERFUL human being, and (2) his fiance, family and friends are heartbroken. I don't understand how anyone could write such disrespectful or mean comments on here, but luckily for the rest of us, 99% of the people who will hear about this story will feel compassion. ~Kelly

I agree with the above post not to feed the trolls, but these selfish assholes need to learn that what they are saying is unwelcome and completely uncalled for. I just hope for their sakes that they are immature teenage brats and not adults, because if they are our society is in serious trouble. Its people like yourselves that give the city a bad name.

No one knows exactly what happened so why don't you keep your ideas to yourself because most of you sound stupid.

I think it's funny that all you who are saying don't feed the trolls are the ones feeding the trolls by saying don't feed the trolls. Um...as for the other civil discussions going on...I think it's perfectly okay to ask these sort of questions. We should know if he was killed by a serial killer (smile face theory) or mugged by a gang thug or simply fell into the water. I don't care if he was gay or if he was cruising. Like one poster said his sexuality is not what I am concerned with it's how he died. I want to know because I live across the street from Belmont Harbor was it a murder, an accident or a suicide.

Been following the story, I don't know Phil, but I just can't imagine how his family and fiance are dealing. Just a terrible, terrible, tragedy. I hope they are able to find solace in celebrating what sounds like a wonderful person and a wonderful life.

This is reliable news reporting site. I've obtained the WHOLE story here in the past for my own benefit. Some of the comments are uncalled for, no doubt. If you want the watered down, day late/dollar short, Chicago image upholding version, try the Trib. If you don't like the comments, don't read them. I couldn't imagine losing a loved one and this quickly perusing and commenting on forums. Mind boggling to me.

That being said, we are entitled to the truth.

If he was suicidal, there should have been signals.

If he were cruising for gay sex, not only are there gay bars open til 5:00am, there is also the beloved Steamworks open 24/7, everyone is i.d.'d as I've been told. Now let's take it a step further and hunt each other down like animals searching for their prey at the waterfront. I'm gay. That subhuman behavior here is sick.

"They" also go for sucker punches direct to the temple to knock you out. This is known. I was a victim of it inland right around the corner there at 10pm but it didn't work. There is a hatred for White men here, gay or straight, that I've never experienced anywhere else.

The open air drug dealing here is rampant. Show no shame.

If he was that drunk and fell in the water, yes, Lord have mercy.

Again, sorry for your loss. He had no business being out there at that time. The lakefront "closes" at 11pm. There are signs posted. I was chased off it on my bike by the cops a little further north last summer at 9:45 "because there are criminals out here ya know". I told him to "go find them, I'm riding my bike".

(3:21PM Post) I think we can all understand how the bizarre disappearance of someone in our neighborhood can be puzzling and it's only human nature to wonder what went on, especially so we have a sense of safety. But many people in here are making accusations, (e.g. the comment "Alcohol and night swimming! It's a winning combination!) and those assumptions are entirely inappropriate. In time, we will know what happened, but I don't think it's fair to assume what went on and to point fingers at friends, family, or even Philip himself.

I disagree with your statement that saying "ignore the trolls" is in essence "feeding" the trolls; reminding people to "ignore the trolls" is the equivalent of telling a bullied student to ignore someone who is calling them names. Sooner or later, in most cases, the bully will give up.

Murder, suicide, accident, clandestine meeting? ...could it be that Phil & his fiancee had a spat, and he went to the lakefront to try to find his own inner peace? Otherwise, as others have said, why wouldn't he go home to his fiancee rather than heading off to the potentially-dangerous lakefront in the middle of a frigid night?

A few years back there was a crazy skinhead looking guy that got arrested for pushing someone into the lake. As I remember, he pushed an older asian gentleman from behind, while he was fishing. He was arrested and got jail time, but with cook county court systems he might be out already...

I think it's ridiculous, all the people assuming that he was cruising. I realize it's very popular in that area, but just two weeks ago, I took a walk to the lakefront at 1am to clear my head--not to unload my heterosexual penis, nor did I receive any offers. What's with all the assumptions?

Cruising seems to be a real possibility. Don't think so? What red-blooded healthy male wouldn't want to be in bed with his girlfriend/fiancee on a cold night? ...unless a few drinks ...maybe an argument ...awakened some other feelings in Phil, and he went looking to satisfy his other urges. It happens.

Otherwise, the 'walk on the lakefront' theory makes NO SENSE whatsoever. Nature lover? So what, no one who knows Chicago would head over there, at that time, on a bitteerly cold night, unless somethign else was going on.

The punk pushed the senior Asian fisherman that couldn't swim into the Montrose Harbor. From what I understand that was a recurring problem but that one just couldn't swim. It wasn't a young guy like the subject that supposedly was very active.

No, the walk on the lakefront makes absolutely no sense. I'm gay, lived there for more than 2 years and hadn't a clue there was supposedly so much "activity" out there but wouldn't be surprised. Not my thing even if there was.

Was he actually on the lakefront and drifted to the harbor or actually fell into the harbor? Or is that unknown? That "harbor" is calm, there are breakwalls there. Lots to grab onto, drift to, and pull yourself out if in shape even if tipsy. Sorry, I don't get it.

This is very sad. However, previous posters raise some valid questions. There is nothing good that comes at that place @ 2:30 am. Something happened. We probably will never know what happened... but it wasn't just an "accident".

I've went to middle school and high school with Phil. I have not seen him since high school but I will NEVER forget his constant smile and attitude in general about life. He was an amazing person and he will not be forgotten. I have not seen him in almost 10 years and this truly touches me on the deepest level. I hope his friends and family can ultimately not blame themselves for what happend. This was a terrible tragedy and I hope everyone realizes just how precious life is. Phil was a great guy and I'll never forget his ear to ear smile. I never saw Phil frown once and I hope we all can live our lives like Phil lived his. My thoughts and prayers go out to his friends and family.

many of the smiley face victims were last seen in a taxi or speaking with people at the bar they did not know. If I were the family, I would request to speak with the taxi driver and everyone who was at the bar that night. It could be that someone slipped something in his drink too. Very unusual for so many men in college or college graduates who are found in rivers and lakes. From my count, 225 in the US/Canada in the last 10 years.

Sad and strange story but young people, especially intoxicated ones, do ridiculous things all the time. Intoxication makes people feel invincible-we've all been there. Friday night was very windy. The lake is very dark. I don't think it's that hard to believe that he might have wanted to listen to the waves, and he got off balance and tripped and then was unable to navigate out of it before the cold overtook him. As a mom of a son, there but for the grace of God go I. Peace to Phil and his family.

It's sad that his life ended this way, but perhaps if he was more honest and open about his life, he wouldn't need to take such desperate measures that involve cruising for cock on the lake at 2:30am on a bitterly cold winter night.

This is very chilling, on the front page of aol and huffington post today. A University of Wiscosin student Eric Duffy was last seen on Saturday leaving a Bar at 1:15am where he was partying with friends that night and he was found Sunday in the river dead. Please people read up on this artice its almost identical to this case in chicago.. This is very strange please be careful if you are going out to bars and dont leave alone or let your friends leave alone drunk. I hope all of this is being checked into because something is happening..

"I hope all of this is being checked into because something is happening..."

Yes, what's happening is that drunk guys are falling into the water, or possibly having late-night sexual encounters & ending up at the lake. Let's not bring a phantom bogie-man mass murderer into this.

Some of you are despicable! I can't believe I'm goingto entertain any of this, but I'm so sick of the bullshit comments... Yeah, real likely he friggin drowned himself in an icy lake over cold feet! You have got to be kidding me?! Cold and heartless! As if Selena isn't already in so much pain you're going to make an accusation like that? They have been together for YEARS... You don't know them or their relationship so shut your mouth! While I fully support all of our 'right to free speech' I think some people need to understand that everything they say isn't 'right' or acceptable. I don't care what you may be thinking about the situation, you need to learn when to shut the hell up. Sometimes kindness and compassion are more important than your 'right' to spew bullshit from behind your keyboard.

Why is it that only young college aged or slighly older guys end up drinking and falling into the water? I mean millions of men each week drink but don't end up in the water dead? Something sounds really fishy to me.

Why don't the "family and friends" want to know what really happened? They seem to think that burying their heads in the sand and "praying" is the answer. The whole situation is VERY weird. An intoxicated man goes to a secluded, freezing, desolate spot on the lakefront in the middle of the night and ends up drowned and nobody wonders how or why???

Time to shut this down. I'm sure none of Phil's family will be reading any of this.His friends will have their chance to express their condolences at his funeral service.The problem with an open forum like this is that cowards hiding in the shadows can spew such vitriol.Those same cowards are the type that live a degenerate lifestyle where they would go 'cruising' for anonymoussex at the lakefront in the wee hours of the morning, and try to drag the good name of normal people throughthe mud in order to somehow rationalize their own depraved existence.This was not Phil. Time to move on, let the snakes crawl back in their holes.

No, we haven't "all been there". Accidents happen but some can go out and have a few drinks, fun and be responosible too. From an "outsiders" point of view, the bars here WAY overserve people for the sake of a $ knowing they'll be cabbing it or walking. Usually makes for awkward moments, disinhibition beyond reproach and non-fun out there.

He was no longer a "college student" or "college grad". He's now a 28 y.o. grown man and as a cop was chastised for blaming a victim in that area in the past as "looking for monkey business" - that's what he was doing too. Shouldn't have happened but there's personal accountability that should not be overlooked either.

I'm sorry about the family and friends but if I were them, I wouldn't be reading these comments anyway but they obviously have some questions too.

Gosh...I really don't care if he was out cruising, out for a walk, out to rob someone...I don't care. People keep saying he was out cruising for gay sex...well okay...but that has nothing to do with him being dead. Was he waiting for a hookup and someone else stumbled upon him and killed him? Was it a Smiley Face killing, did he have an accident..and if so...how could this accident have happened??

I think 'God' needs to step up & 'splain Himself, like the All-Powerful Deity He supposedly is.

Like as in ...God, where were You when this happened? You seem to have followers who are willing to 'pray' to You, and give money to You, and they expect a little courtesy in return. At least let us know why You did respond & Your answer was "NO!"

Thank you for saying exactly what I'm thinking. Whatever phil's reason for being there makes no difference. What matters is that this kind loving human being is gone. It is a mystery but all that matters now is hope that his loved ones can cope...

"was it suicide? Like has been said, you would have to fucking try to fall in there..."

Here's where Phil's "friends" need to explain what really happened that night. Was there an argument? Did he seem despondent? DIid he have a fight with his fiancee? These are all things the public needs to know, to be able to feel safe again.

Yeah...I find it hard to believe that he would be somewhat sober and WANT to go down there just for a walk or look at the water. It was really cold that morning. I find it hard to believe that he fell into the water by accident...unless he was completely and totally drunk.

@10:28pm. Whitney Houston died from alcohol, Xanax and Valium intoxication (that coincidentally happened in the water - in a bath tub - but it will be ruled "accidental" as well). Unfortunately, from the way it looks, Phil died similarly.

Harsh, but unfortunately Phil wasn't that "one helluva guy" everyone thought he was unless somebody who knows more wants to speak up. A wake up call for all to be responsible, especially his age. I would hate for my loved ones to have to read about this happening to me. They won't however. I remember when I was about 25 talking to a guy outside a gay bar at 2:15am in a not so great urban area and saying "we owe it to our family not to be found dead here". "Thank You!" was his response as we went on our way.

These "kids" need to be taught more responsibility. In my line of business, I can't believe the parents still calling from out of state setting up absolutely everything for these 25-33 year old "kids". They are adults now. They were adults when they were 18. Chicago isn't quite that "world class city" you thought you were sending your "kids" off to.

WOW...you know what killed Whitney Houston??? I guess you know more than anyone. I would rather wait to see what the experts come back and say caused her death. Your post is very weird and hard to follow. It's all over the place - from Whitney Houston --> one helluva guy --> Responsibility -> world class city.

It's already been stated what killed Whitney Houston but they are "waiting for confirmation from toxicology reports". Those "in the know", know. Most people here are dumb and are underdeveloped for their age though. That much is understood

Yeah, "world class city" where you allow people to become so intoxicated that they go fall in the lake or are murdered.

I'm not Chicago detective by any means, but out of curiosity, about an hour ago, I followed (on my bike) the point where Mr. Patnaude was last scene (Wellington/Broadway) to the spot near where they found the body, and it's a pretty straight path, only about 20 yards from where they think he drowned. ...... What's interesting about this is when you enter the area, all you see is the unfenced dock edge and the floating docks beyond that. Most likely, he wanted to go sit out on the docks. But do so would require climbing around the half-circle security gate that keeps people from going down the ramp that leads out to those docks. I can see how a 20-something person with enough "beer muscles" and impaired sense of judgement could think they could swing their body around that and get on the down ramp. There are a couple of metal "handles" that a person could grip and use to swing themselves around. The problem is, if you lose that grip and not make it all the way around the half-circle security gate, you are most definitely going to fall in the water! The problem is once you are in, there really nowhere to climb out. Plus in that frigid freezing water, a person would probably be so shocked from the cold that they would be too disoriented to swim toward the floating dock, much less climb out of it. It's clearly very dangerous (I imagine the city will put something near the water so people could climb out). I did watch the party video and read the comments about the guy's sexuality (whatever it was). Well, I am not convinced, and after following the path today, he seemed clearly intent of taking in the view of Belmont Harbor. (What a beautiful view it must be sitting out on one of those docks!) He was heading for the lake, literally. I don't blame people for rushing to the conclusion that he went to the lake cruising for gay sex, and I don't blame you if you think I am overlooking that possible scenario. ... Why it seems he already had his jacket off before he went in, maybe he was using that in his climbing endeavor. I really don't think a person would have the time or sense to remove their jacket when they've fallen in freezing water. I've done foolish and risky behavior like this in my 20's and under the influence. A few times could've ended up perilous. So.... this is just my opinion, take it or leave it. My condolences to the family. - Coyote

I agree that your post does not make much sense. It is indeed all over the place and I can read pretty well. "People in the know"? LOL! Let's revisit this and see if they say the cause of her death was because of Xanax. This shows your lack of intelligence.

"Very unusual for so many men in college or college graduates who are found in rivers and lakes. From my count, 225 in the US/Canada in the last 10 years."

Interesting that Anonymous has a hobby of counting young dead men ...next thing he'll say is that he counted their toes & they had 2,250

LOL good one Carmac, though this person got the stats RE: 20 something aged men drowning from the websites for the Smiley Face Gang conspiracy theory.

I was a student at a major midwest university when two of the guys mentioned on those sites went missing, and eventually turned up dead.

As tragic as those deaths were, I have serious issues believing that they're the work of some underground, national gang that preys on drunken frat boys.

At my school, a river cut right through the middle of campus, and besides the two guys in four years who drowned in it, several guys (and girls) each year fell in & had to be rescued. The campus actually had emergency phones at both ends of every bridge over the river!

It's unfortunate, but when people get plastered drunk, and often are using drugs to, they black out & do dumb things. Frankly, I'm thankful that I never went over the edge, I crossed those bridges flat-out wasted enough times.

To believe that an average of 22 deaths by drowning per year is some type of a pattern is a stretch of the imagination, any way you look at it. There are millions of 20 something men who binge drink in the US & Canada. Accidents happen, especially when people are drunk.

Here, I believe that the guy was drunk, and was screwing around near the water, lost his balance, & went in. If he had gone around the barriers that are up there to prevent this from happening, there is maybe 12 inches of concrete for him to stand on. On a cold, windy night, after hours & hours of drinking, I can see how that would have happened.

@2:33. Sorry your diva, pride and joy died sweetie. She was a junkie and killed herself with both illegal and prescription drugs (oops, don't forget the alcohol). It's already been concluded there wasn't enough water in her lungs to have drowned. The alcohol, Xanax and Valium halted her respiratory system. There's always Lady Gaga for you now.

Before Chicago's Finest close the book on this case, have they really considered every angle? I mean, we all saw "the Fugitive" (filmed in Chi-Town!) where there was a rush to justice & an innocent man was almost put to death.

One possibility that needs to be considered is corporate malfeasance. By chance, were any of Phil's drinking 'buddies' that night Sargent & Lundy co-workers or managers? Maybe Phil stumbled on a big secret, like S&L was planning to build a nuke plant right on top of a nuclear fault line [side bar: this did actually happen; the Trojan Nuclear Plant in Oregon was shut down & S&L employees had to be pulled out after the shutdown].

So ...is it possible one of them slipped something into Phil's drink, then offered him cab fare to the lake to find a 'partner' for the night? Why would S&L do this? Maybe Phil was about to blow the whistle on their operations. Sound crazy? Then maybe you haven't seen "The China Syndrome".

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